Abstract
In this paper, we address the challenge of reducing energy losses in distribution systems through reactive-power compensation by utilizing single phase capacitors. We develop a minute-resolved scheduling approach for single-phase capacitor banks and apply it to a real 0.4 kV network in Mangystau, Kazakhstan. Our approach uses a recently developed heuristic algorithm: Sine-Cosine Algorithm (SCA). The optimization model aims to find the on/off switching positions of 24 capacitors over a 24 hour time horizon with 1 minute time intervals. We use OpenDSS software to perform power flow simulations required in SCA based optimization model, and consider constraints on switching frequency of bank capacitors to limit wear. From the simulation results we observed that with the use of the proposed model the energy losses decrease with a better voltage profile.